Drew Wilson, Author at Florida Politics - Campaigns & Elections. Lobbying & Government.

Drew WilsonMay 7, 2018

Can we call it “Gillumentum” yet? Tallahassee Mayor Andrew Gillum announced Monday that his gubernatorial campaign raised $447,711 last month, beating his March total by more than $100,000. “With a little less than four months to go in the Democratic Primary to go, our campaign is catching fire at the right time,” campaign spokesman Geoff Burgan said. […]

Drew WilsonMay 7, 2018

Aakash-Patel-Hillsborough-County-Commission-candidate-District-1.jpg

Tampa businessman Aakash Patel announced Monday that Lieutenant Gov. Carlos Lopez-Cantera has endorsed his campaign for Hillsborough County Commission District 1. “I had the opportunity to get to know Aakash Patel through his work with Leadership Tampa Bay and his service on their Board of Directors since 2014. Aakash has impressed me with his drive, […]

Drew WilsonMay 7, 2018

Clearwater Republican Ed Hooper announced a fundraiser for his Senate campaign next week in Palm Harbor. The May 9 event will be held from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Catcher and the Rye, 917 11th St. More than two dozen names are listed on the host committee, including attorney Ed Armstrong, accountant Steve Bunch, […]

Drew WilsonMay 7, 2018

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Gwen Graham opened a new campaign headquarters in Orlando Saturday. “This is just thrilling. I’m so excited to officially be a resident of Orlando. Central Florida is at the heart of our 67-county strategy,” Graham said, “After 20 years of Republican dominance, we face so many challenges. That’s why I’m running for […]

Drew WilsonMay 7, 2018

St. Petersburg Republican Sen. Jeff Brandes released his first ad of the 2018 election cycle Monday, touting his military service and accomplishments during the eight years he’s been a member of the Florida Legislature. The ad, “Oath,” begins with Brandes in a park with his wife and children. “He took an oath to protect us […]

Drew WilsonMay 6, 2018

Florida’s newest public university graduated 220 students Friday, most of whom were part of university’s inaugural class. Florida Polytechnic University, or Florida Poly, shed its old status as the Lakeland campus of the University of South Florida back in 2012 after the Legislature approved a plan for the school to be spun off as its […]

Drew WilsonMay 5, 2018

Former Republican state Rep. Neil Combee is kicking off his campaign for Florida’s 15th Congressional District with an event in Polk City next week. The May 12 fundraiser will run from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at Sunny Acres Lodge, owned by the family of Josie Tomkow. Combee was an avid supporter of Tomkow during […]

Drew WilsonMay 5, 2018

Amanda Murphy is back. The Pasco Democrat on Friday told Florida Politics she is running for the state Senate. The former state Representative said she was “sick and tired” of what’s happening in Tallahassee and that she wants to be back there to “fight the good fight.” Look for her to file as soon as Monday. The […]

Drew WilsonMay 4, 2018

Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam is looking for volunteers to step up in Sarasota and Manatee counties to spread the word about his gubernatorial campaign. Putnam sent out an email this week declaring himself the “grassroots candidate” in the race to replace Gov. Rick Scott – not an unreasonable claim given his penchant for small-town campaign […]

Drew WilsonMay 4, 2018

Public education will only improve when people buy in, Step Up for Students President Doug Tuthill said Thursday at the Florida Chamber of Commerce Summit on Prosperity & Economic Opportunity. “I’m going to start with the good news: public education today is in the best shape that it’s ever been in,” Tuthill said, citing the […]

Drew Wilson
Gordon Smith. Screenshot via Smart & Safe Florida.

Andrew Gillum ramps up money game, adds $447K in April

Aakash Patel’s latest big-name endorser? Carlos Lopez-Cantera

Fundraiser for Ed Hooper this Wednesday in Palm Harbor

Gwen Graham opens campaign HQ in Orlando

Jeff Brandes launches first TV ad of re-election campaign

Florida Poly graduates inaugural class

Neil Combee launching CD 15 campaign May 12

She’s back: Amanda Murphy to square off against Ed Hooper for north Pinellas state Senate seat

Adam Putnam campaign seeking Venice volunteers

Doug Tuthill: Education improves with a sense of ownership